Description of Bidens glaucescens Greene
Bidens glaucescens Greene, commonly known as Bigelov's beggartick, is a perennial herbaceous species of the genus Bidens, belonging to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to North America and is found in the southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Bigelov's beggartick grows to a height of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) and has a spread of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters).
General Appearance
Bidens glaucescens Greene has green, hairy stems that are branched and erect. It produces yellow flowers that bloom from June to November and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The plant is also known for its small, barbed seeds that can stick to clothing and animal fur for easy dispersion.
Common Names
Bigelov's beggartick is named after American botanist John Milton Bigelow. Other common names for the plant include Arizona beggarticks, glaucous beggartick, and Bigelows' tickseed.
Uses
Bidens glaucescens Greene is used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments, including colds, flu, snakebites, and stomach aches. It has also been used for its antiseptic and analgesic properties. In addition, the seeds of the plant have been used in folk medicine to reduce pain and inflammation.
Bidens glaucescens Greene is also attractive to gardeners due to its colorful flowers and ability to attract pollinators. However, it can become invasive and difficult to control if not properly managed.
Light Requirements
Bidens glaucescens Greene is a plant that requires full sun to grow. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant cannot thrive or develop properly in shaded or partially shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens glaucescens Greene is a plant that can tolerate a temperature range between 60°F (15°C) and 100°F (38°C). It can withstand extreme temperatures, including frost and heat. However, it will grow best in temperatures between 68°F (20°C) and 86°F (30°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant Bidens glaucescens Greene can grow in various soil types. However, it thrives in soil that is well-draining and rich in nutrients. The pH of the soil for growing this plant should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
It is essential to amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve its water-holding capacity and fertility. The soil should not be too compact as it will hinder proper root growth.
Cultivation
Bidens glaucescens Greene, commonly known as the Colorado tick-trefoil plant, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to western North America, from Alaska to California. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, and it prefers well-drained soils that are moist but not waterlogged.
When planting your Bidens glaucescens Greene, it is important to ensure that there is enough spacing between each plant. This will allow the plants to grow and spread out without overcrowding each other. Regular weeding and mulching will also help to keep the soil loose and well-aerated, which will allow for better root growth and nutrient uptake.
Watering
Bidens glaucescens Greene has moderate watering needs. The plant prefers a consistent level of moisture in the soil, but it can tolerate slightly dry conditions without being damaged. When watering, aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
The best time to water is in the morning, as this will give the plant enough time to dry off before nightfall. This will help prevent fungal or bacterial diseases from developing on the leaves.
Fertilization
Bidens glaucescens Greene does not require a lot of fertilization. However, adding a slow-release, organic fertilizer to the soil once a year will help to give the plant the nutrients it needs to thrive.
It is also important to be mindful of the type of fertilizer being used. A high-nitrogen fertilizer may encourage the growth of foliage at the expense of flowers, while a phosphorus-rich fertilizer will help to promote bloom development.
Pruning
Bidens glaucescens Greene does not require a lot of pruning. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season will help to encourage the plant to continue blooming.
In the fall, once the plant has finished blooming for the season, you can cut back the stems to about a third of their original height. This will help to keep the plant compact and encourage strong, healthy growth in the following year.
Propagation of Bidens glaucescens Greene
Bidens glaucescens Greene, also called Hairy Beggarticks or Arizona Beggarticks, is a plant species native to the southwestern United States. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which comprises about 32,000 species, including sunflowers, daisies, and asters.
If you want to propagate Bidens glaucescens, there are several methods you can use, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Bidens glaucescens is by using seeds. These plants produce abundant seeds, which are small, flat, and elongated. You can collect the seeds from mature plants in autumn or early winter and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
To sow the seeds, prepare a seed tray or small pots with a good-quality potting mix. Scatter the seeds over the surface, lightly press them into the soil, and cover them with a thin layer of vermiculite or sand. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the tray or pots in a warm, bright spot, but not in direct sunlight.
The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks, and you can transplant the seedlings into larger pots or the garden once they have developed a few leaves.
Cuttings
If you want to propagate Bidens glaucescens vegetatively, you can take stem cuttings in summer or early autumn. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems and cut them about 6 inches long, just below a node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only two or three pairs at the top.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with a moist and well-draining potting mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity and place it in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and avoid direct sunlight or drafts.
The cuttings should root within 3-4 weeks, and you can transplant them into larger pots or the garden in spring after the last frost.
Division
Bidens glaucescens can also be propagated by division, which involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is suitable for mature plants that have become too large or need rejuvenation.
In spring or early summer, dig up the plant and carefully divide it into several clumps, making sure each section has some roots and leaves. Replant the divisions in a prepared bed or pots filled with good-quality potting mix and water them thoroughly.
Division may cause some stress to the plant, so make sure to keep the soil moist and avoid exposing the new divisions to direct sunlight or excessive heat until they have started to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens glaucescens Greene
Bidens glaucescens Greene, also known as Arizona beggarticks, is a hardy plant that can resist many diseases and pests. However, to maintain its health and vigor, it is essential to detect and manage any issues promptly. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases:
- Leaf spot: This disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves, which can spread and merge to kill the entire leaf. Management involves removing infected foliage and improving ventilation around the plant by spacing the plants adequately.
- Mosaic virus: This virus is transmitted by aphids and causes yellow mottling on the leaves. There is no cure for mosaic virus, so prevention is the best management option. Control aphids by using insecticidal soaps and improve plant nutrition by fertilizing regularly.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange pustules on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation. Management involves removing infected foliage, applying fungicides, and improving air circulation by thinning the plant.
Pests:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the plant and can transmit diseases. Management involves using insecticidal soaps, spraying the plant with water, and attracting beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs.
- Spider mites: These tiny, reddish-brown pests thrive in hot, dry conditions and can damage leaves by sucking sap. Management involves using insecticidal soaps, spraying the plant with water, and improving air circulation around the plant.
- Caterpillars: The caterpillars of the painted lady butterfly are a common pest on Bidens glaucescens. They chew holes in the leaves, reducing the plant's vigor. Management involves hand-picking the caterpillars or using organic insecticides.
It is essential to monitor Bidens glaucescens regularly for signs of disease or pest infestation and take prompt remedial action to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
